PAULS VALLEY, Okla. – Just two weeks after he was shot in the leg while fearlessly wrestling a gunman to the ground, high school principal Kirk Moore walked into the prom – and walked out as king. The 60-year-old educator, who likely saved dozens of lives by charging at a Columbine-obsessed former student armed with two semi-automatic pistols, received the ultimate student tribute Friday night: a crown, a roar of cheers, and a blaring Nickelback song that left few dry eyes.
The now-viral clip shows Moore high-fiving screaming students as he makes his way through the crowd after the DJ declared him “our king” and cued up “Hero.” The 35‑year veteran of the Pauls Valley school district, still recovering from a bullet wound to his left leg, was all smiles as students swarmed him, jumping up and down in celebration.
“He deserved it more than anyone. He literally took a bullet for us,” senior class president Mia Hernandez told The Post. “Prom king is supposed to be a fun popularity contest, but this year it meant something real.”
The heartwarming moment capped a terrifying chapter that could have ended in tragedy – and showcased the best of American resilience and gratitude.
The Shooting: A Principal’s Instant, Life‑Saving Charge
The nightmare began on the morning of April 7, 2026. Victor Lee Hawkins, a 20‑year‑old former student, walked into the lobby of Pauls Valley High School wearing a black hoodie and carrying two loaded semi‑automatic pistols. According to court documents reviewed by KFOR, Hawkins had stolen the guns from his father and told investigators he “wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did” – the 1999 massacre that left 14 victims dead.
Surveillance footage released by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shows Hawkins entering the building, then pointing a pistol directly at a student. That’s when Principal Moore, who had heard the commotion from his nearby office, sprinted into the frame.
“He didn’t hesitate. He just ran straight at the gunman,” said sophomore Emily Tran, who witnessed the chaos from a classroom window. “I thought he was going to die.”
Moore charged at Hawkins, shoving him toward a bench and pinning him down. As they struggled, Hawkins fired a shot – the bullet striking Moore in the left leg. But the principal didn’t let go. Another staff member sprinted to help, and together they kept Hawkins subdued until police arrived minutes later.
The student whom Hawkins had initially targeted fled unharmed. No one else was injured.
“The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today,” OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee said at a press conference.
The Shooter’s Motive: A ‘Columbine’ Obsession and a Personal Grudge
Hawkins, who had been a student at Pauls Valley High until 2024, allegedly told police he “didn’t like Principal Moore” and went to the school specifically to “kill him,” according to the arrest affidavit. He also admitted that he had been planning an attack for weeks, researching the Columbine shooting online and keeping a journal of his intentions.
The affidavit states that Hawkins stole two pistols from his father’s locked safe, along with ammunition. He was taken into custody without further incident and now faces multiple charges, including:
| Charge | Potential Penalty (Oklahoma) |
|---|---|
| Shooting with intent to kill | 5 years to life |
| Assault and battery with a deadly weapon | Up to 10 years |
| Possession of a firearm on school property | 2–10 years |
| Malicious injury to property (discharging a weapon inside a building) | 2–7 years |
Hawkins is being held without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 8.
The Prom Night Tribute: ‘He’s Our King’
The idea to crown Moore as prom king began organically among students. A week after the shooting, a senior created a private Instagram poll asking classmates who should be king. Moore’s name received 94% of the vote – more than any student.
“We didn’t even tell him,” said student council advisor Lisa Morton. “The DJ was in on it. When we announced that the king would be a ‘special guest,’ everyone knew exactly who it was.”
The video, posted on X by a student, has been viewed more than 8 million times. In it, Moore is seen limping slightly as he walks through the crowd, but his smile never wavers. Students chant “Kirk! Kirk! Kirk!” as the DJ plays Nickelback’s “Hero” – a song that has since become an unofficial anthem for the school.
Moore, who was released from the hospital after three days, told local media he was “overwhelmed” by the gesture.
“I just did what anyone would have done – what any principal would have done. But these kids… they make me feel like I actually did something special. I love them all.”
The National Context: School Shootings and Heroism
Moore’s actions come at a time when school shootings remain a persistent American tragedy. According to the K‑12 School Shooting Database:
- In 2025, there were 347 incidents of gunfire on school grounds nationwide.
- 112 people were killed or injured in those incidents.
- In 62% of cases, the shooter was a current or former student.
- Armed staff or law enforcement intervened successfully in only 14% of incidents; in most cases, the shooting ended when the shooter fled, surrendered, or was subdued by unarmed civilians.
Moore’s case stands out because he was unarmed, acted alone, and neutralized the threat within seconds of the first shot. Experts say his quick thinking – and willingness to sacrifice his own safety – likely prevented a mass casualty event.
“In active shooter situations, every second counts,” said Dr. James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University. “Moore’s split‑second decision to charge rather than hide or wait for backup is exactly what we train law enforcement to do. He is a true hero.”
Recovery and Recognition
Moore is currently undergoing physical therapy for his leg wound. Doctors expect a full recovery, though he may have a permanent limp. He has already returned to work part‑time, greeting students at the door each morning.
The school district has announced that it will name the new gymnasium after Moore – a decision that was in the works before the shooting but has now been fast‑tracked. A GoFundMe campaign organized by the Pauls Valley Education Foundation has raised more than $120,000 for Moore’s medical expenses and to fund a scholarship in his name.
Meanwhile, Hawkins remains in custody. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty, but sources say it is “on the table” given the premeditated nature of the attack and the targeting of a school.
FAQ: Kirk Moore, the Hero Principal
Q: What happened to Principal Kirk Moore?
A: On April 7, 2026, he tackled a former student who had entered Pauls Valley High School with two loaded pistols. He was shot in the leg during the struggle but subdued the gunman.
Q: Did anyone else get hurt?
A: No. The student who was initially targeted fled safely, and no other injuries were reported.
Q: What did the shooter say?
A: Victor Lee Hawkins told police he “didn’t like Principal Moore” and went to the school to kill him. He also said he wanted to conduct a shooting like the Columbine massacre.
Q: What charges does Hawkins face?
A: Shooting with intent to kill, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm on school property, and malicious injury to property.
Q: How did students honor Moore?
A: They voted him prom king at the April 17 dance. A video of the moment went viral, showing students cheering and hugging him as “Hero” by Nickelback played.
Q: How is Moore recovering?
A: He is undergoing physical therapy and has returned to work part‑time. A GoFundMe has raised over $120,000 for his medical expenses and a scholarship fund.
